Now that America has declared a state of swine flu (猪流感) public health emergency, you may be asking yourself ― what am I supposed to do? Here is a list of practical steps you can take to prepare and protect yourself and your family.

1) Know the symptoms ― Here are some of the symptoms that sound like swine flu ― fevers over 100 degrees (37.8℃), body aches, cough, runny nose, and sometimes, nausea (恶心) and diarrhea (腹泻). It’s also useful to know if you might have had an exposure (暴露) either by recent travel to Mexico, or to the areas of known cases so far in America ― specific areas of California, Texas, New York, Ohio and Kansas. Or you may have been exposed to a sick person who came from those areas.

2) Don’t panic ― If you have symptoms that sound like swine flu, do not rush to hospitals. Not only is this difficult for the healthcare system, it can also be potentially dangerous for everyone. Call your doctor or local public health clinic before going in.

3) Contain the illness ― Hand-washing works. Wash, wash and wash. Invest in some hand sanitizer (消毒洗手液) for the whole family. Avoid hugs and kisses of well-wishers, and do not share telephone handsets or computers. Be especially careful to always cough into the elbow of your arm (yes! the elbow, not your hand!). Cover your cough and sneeze to protect others.

4) What about a mask? ― The data shows that masks do work ― as long as there is a tight seal (密封) about the mouth and nose.

5) Eat the pork (if you want) ― Swine flu gets its name because pigs can get the infection and spread it to each other ― as well as to humans. This latest virus contains pieces that indicate it evolved (演变) from swine flu virus, and can now spread from person to person. Swine flu is not spread by properly prepared and cooked pork products. So if you want to eat pork, you can.

6) Getting sick? Stay home! ― In our go-go-go culture and these severe economic times, it can be very hard to call a boss and cancel a day’s work. Now, however, if you or your loved ones are feeling like there’s a flu coming on, stay home.

7) Stockpile? ― Right now, it’s too early for any of us to become a Swine Flu Shut-In, but the public health department recommends that each home have two weeks of supplies, in case we must stay home ― either for illness or to help contain transmission. That means two weeks of food for everyone in your home, two weeks of all medications, and, if you’re like most people, two weeks of books and DVDs.

52. The purpose of the writer is mainly to __________.

   A. analyze the possible causes of swine flu

   B. tell people how to protect themselves from swine flu

   C. give people some information about the present situation of swine flu

   D. suggest some treatments for swine flu

53. According to the passage, which of the following is one of the reasons why the disease is called “Swine flu”?

   A. Some patients have eaten some not-so-well-cooked pork.

   B. Some patients have contact with pigs in their life.

   C. The virus is probably developed from swine flu virus.

   D. The disease is mostly passed from pigs to humans.

54. Suppose Mr Fernando has just been back from Mexico and he’s got a high fever and runny nose, what shall he do?

   A. Go to hospital as soon as possible.

   B. Ask a day off and stay at home.

   C. Call his doctor to ask for directions.

   D. Take some medicine and have a good rest.

55. Which of the following is NOT a suggestion given by the writer?

   A. Cough and sneeze into your hands.

   B. Wash your hands and wear a mask.

   C. Go on eating pork if you like.

   D. Store some food and medicine at home.